SLK's Direct Control Steering

[dkmech]

Just seen the Merc SLK ad and it says that the new one has "Direct Control Steering".

Did they have steering controlled by a committee on the older model? I may be mistaken but i always thought that the steering wheel on a car was connected to the wheels mechanically, without going into some sort of black box which had a think about it, before making the car move. Or do they mean that their powersteering now doesn't screw things up?

I can appreciate that the steering may require different amount of lock and may be dulled by wobbly tyres but i am not sure what they are trying to say. Anyone know anything about it?

[gobbo]

The old one used to handle awfully, due to a really c**p chassis. Maybe direct control stearing means ou don't have a stearing wheel and just move both tyres by hand?!

[Knoxville]

Maybe its just another pointless name for harder shocks and adjusted power steering cooked up by the marketing department?

[Jiff Lemon]

I suspect its a posh name for speed sensitive steering.
Low speed = minimal input, maximum lock.
High speed = minimal input, hardly an turning.

[Butuz]

First thing that crossed my mind seing that ad was "my god, direct controlled stering, you mean the steering wheel actually controls the steering directly? Mercedes are so innovative these days!!"

:|

Butuz

[Stoo]

ahhh the marketing droids have been at it again

[unrealrocks]

Im with Mr. Lemon on this one, lol. Its a good idea for powerful sports cars though.

[gobbo]

Speed sensitive PAS is excellent, got in on my new Micra, makes 3 point turns and any other manouveres so damn easy.

[J4MES]

Originally Posted by Jiff Lemon

I suspect its a posh name for speed sensitive steering.
Low speed = minimal input, maximum lock.
High speed = minimal input, hardly an turning.

i'm guessing it's more like active steering (bmw) than speed-sensitive pas...
but i'm guessing

[sdp]

Without its fitment, a steering ratio that's six percent more accurate, optimized torque strut bearings for the front axles, greater spring link bearings for rear axles and a reprogrammed ESP will be missed.

From http://www.carbc.com/Car-News-836.html

[dkmech]

I wonder if other makes will have to call their steering direct control in response to merc.

For example bmw, who pride themselves on using female ostrich feathers to manufacture high performance cars, will want to keep the lead as the sportier brand and will have to say... ummm.. i dunno.. that their cars have Direct Control Advanced Response Steering and Cupholders...

I am afraid this trend might go too far

[nataz]

I think what Mercedes is referring to is the fact that the (S170) or previous gen SLK used recirculating-ball steering and the new SLK uses rack and pinion.

Hope that helps

[Howard]

Edit: Nevermind, it's Rammstein - Mein Herz Brennt